By Gail Momblan/PNA
ILOILO CITY — Carles town in Iloilo province has the most number of tourist arrivals in Iloilo province, data of the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) shows.
The town’s tourist arrivals reached 64,205 last year, followed by Estancia with 40,513 and Leganes with 30,892.
Tourists who spread to others their good experiences in the town is one of the main factors why people flock to Carles, municipal Mayor Sigfredo Betita said in a phone interview on Monday.
Isla Gigantes, which is composed of 13 islands, is still the most-visited spot in town, Betita said.
“People who already visited Carles tell their friends of their good experiences in town, especially in Gigantes, and they bring with them a bunch of friends when they come back,” he said.
Accommodating and friendly locals, affordable food and services, good parking space, and road access to tourist spots also contributed to the high tourist arrivals.
Betita assured that the local government unit will maintain or even exceed the recorded tourist arrivals this year.
He said eco-tourism is being practiced in town, especially in islands and beaches.
“Tourists are attracted to a clean environment and we see to it that both the locals and the tourist practice proper waste management,” he said, adding one can enjoy nature without ruining it.
He also noted that some tourists diverted to Carles during the six-month closure of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
Only around 19,000 tourists are allowed to visit Boracay Island in any given day, based on its carrying capacity.
The Isla Gigantes, on the other hand, does not yet limit the number of tourists, he added.
Aside from Isla Gigantes, Betita said the Sicogon Island also accommodated a good number of tourists.
“Sicogon Island also attracts tourists because aside from its beauty, a direct flight from Manila to Sicogon is available every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,” he said.
Carles also enjoys the economic impact of the tourist arrivals.
Tourism provides jobs to locals, as some of the out-of-school youth are now engaged in hat and souvenir making, tourist guiding, food vending, among others, Betita added.
